A program aimed at taking dangerous felons off the street by catching them with guns is being called a success.
In July the solicitor's office announced "Summer of Silence" in Spartanburg County.
Here's how it works:
- When a person with a felony conviction on their record is caught with a gun or ammunition their case is taken to the U.S. Attorney's Office to see if it can be prosecuted in federal court.
- Federal cases go to trial much faster and carry stiffer sentences for gun violations than the state court system.
Since July 48 felons have been arrested for carrying guns 30 have been indicted on federal charges 20 have pleaded guilty and seven have already been sentenced to more than 35 years in prison.
Prosecutors say those numbers add up to a safer community.
Solcitor Trey Gowdy says the program is far from over. In fact, they are launching a similar effort in Cherokee County called "Gone for the Holidays."
It will run from now through January.
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